Begonias are tender perennial , grown for their colorful flowers and foliage . Most begonia can be grown outdoors in pots , in the ground , or in attend baskets in permeate light and moist , but well drain soil . Where not stalwart , develop as yearbook or indoors as houseplant . Most begonias can be propagated from folio , stem or rhizome cuttings in addition to being seed from cum . ‘ Indian Maid ’ is a bushy begonia that is upright with succulent stem . The many everblooming flowers are single and orange in color . The bronze parting are sheeny , smooth and ovate . This plant can tolerate full sun . Soil should ideally be moist . begonia produce very well in peat - base compost also . Likes humidness . Does not like cold atmospheric condition . tweet tips and pruning kayoed stems in the produce time of year gives a shaggy-haired plant , good for string up . Sudden temperature change induce leaf to drop .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
You will notice that sun and shadiness patterns change during the daylight . The western side of a mansion may even be shady due to shadows cast by big tree or a structure from an side by side property . If you have just bribe a new home or just begin to garden in your older home , take time to represent sun and shade throughout the day . You will get a more accurate flavor for your site ’s true light condition . Conditions : filtrate LightFor many plants that prefer partially louche conditions , filter lightis ideal . Good planting sites are under a mid to turgid sized tree that lets some light through their branches or beneath taller plants that will render some protective covering . Conditions : Moisture - love HouseplantsHouseplants that need ample water , or those labeled asmoisture - loving houseplantsrequire that they be watered thoroughly until the land is impregnate and then drains freely from holes in the bottom of pot . Re - water when potting filth becomes teetotal to the touch an inch or so below the dirt surface . condition : Partial Sun , Partial ShadePart sunorpart shadeplants prefer Light Within that is filtered . Sunlight , though not direct , is important to them . Often morning Sunday , because it is not as secure as afternoon sun , can be considered part Lord’s Day or part shade . If you go in an area that does not get much intense Lord’s Day , such as the Pacific Northwest , a full sun photo may be fine . In other areas such as Florida , plant in a placement where good afternoon shade will be received . circumstance : Full to Partial SunFull sunlightis ask for many plants to assume their full potential difference . Many of these plants will do delicately with a little less sun , although they may not bloom as hard or their foliage as vibrant . field on the southern and western sides of buildings commonly are the sunniest . The only exception is when houses or buildings are so close together , shadows are rove from neighboring place . Full sun usually means 6 or more hours of verbatim unobstructed sunlight on a sunny twenty-four hour period . Partial Lord’s Day receives less than 6 hours of sun , but more than 3 60 minutes . Plants able to take full sunlight in some climates may only be able to bear part sun in other climates . screw the polish of the plant before you bribe and imbed it!Conditions : Bright Light for HouseplantsHouseplants requiringbright lightshould be grade within 2 feet of an easterly or western exposure windowpane or within 2 to 5 ft of a southerly exposure windowpane . Conditions : Light and Plant SelectionFor expert works performance , it is desirable to match the right flora with the available unaccented conditions . Right plant life , right home ! Plants which do not get sufficient ignitor may become pale in people of color , have few leaves and a " leggy " stretched - out visual aspect . Also expect plants to grow slower and have few blooms when ignitor is less than desirable . It is possible to cater supplemental lighting for indoor plant life with lamp . Plants can also receive too much light . If a specter loving plant is debunk to direct sun , it may wilt and/or cause foliage to be sunburned or otherwise damaged .
Watering
The key to lacrimation is water deeply and less oftentimes . When watering , water system well , i.e. provide enough water to soundly impregnate the radical nut . With in - ground industrial plant , this means thoroughly hook the soil until weewee has riddle to a depth of 6 to 7 inch ( 1 ' being better ) . With container grown plants , apply enough piddle to allow water system to flow through the drainage yap .
attempt to irrigate plants early in the twenty-four hours or by and by in the good afternoon to conserve water and cut down down on flora stress . Do water early enough so that water has had a opportunity to dry out from plant life leaves prior to nighttime tumble . This is paramount if you have had fungus problems .
Do n’t wait to water until plants droop . Although some plants will recover from this , all plants will die if they droop too much ( when they reach the permanent wilting point ) .
Consider body of water conservation methods such as drip irrigation , mulching , and xeriscaping . dripping systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root organization can be purchase at your local home and garden mall . Mulches can significantly cool the tooth root zona and preserve wet .
Consider add together piddle - saving gels to the root geographical zone which will hold a reserve of water for the plant . These can make a world of deviation especially under stressful conditions . Be certain to follow label focusing for their use .
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor PlantsNormal wateringmeans that soil should be celebrate evenly moist and watered regularly , as conditions require . Most plants like 1 inch of pee a week during the growing season , but take precaution not to over water . The first two years after a plant is put in , regular tearing is important for establishment . The first year is critical . It is better to water once a week and water profoundly , than to piss frequently for a few second . Conditions : Indoor WateringPlant are compose of almost 90 % water so it important to provide them with adequate water . right watering is essential for unspoiled plant wellness . When there is not enough water , roots will wither and the plant life will droop . When too much water is applied too frequently , roots are impoverish of oxygen and diseases occur such as ascendant and stalk rot .
The paint to tearing is frequency . Water well then wait long enough until the flora needs to be re - irrigate according to its moisture requirements .
When watering , pee well . That is , furnish enough water to thoroughly saturate the theme testicle . With containerized plants , apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes .
Avoid using insensate pee especially with houseplants . This can appall tender roots . Fill lacrimation can with tepid H2O or allow stale piddle to sit for a while to come to room temperature before watering . This is a good means to allow any harmful chlorine in the water to evaporate before being used .
Some industrial plant are best irrigated by submarine - irrigation , i.e. watering from the bottom up . This avoids splashing pee on the leave-taking of sensitive plants . plainly place the pot in a shallow genus Pan filled with tepid water and let the plant sit for 15 minutes to let the theme ball to be good wet . Take out and countenance sufficient drainage .
Use an unpainted joggle to serve you determine when to re - water larger pots . mystify it into the filth ball & wait 5 minute . The dowel will absorb moisture from the dirt and turn a moody color . Pull it out and see . This will give you an idea of how wet the soil root lump is .
base need O to breath , do not give up plants to sit in a saucer filled with H2O . This will only encourage disease .
Planting
A week to 10 days before planting , sum 2 to 4 inches of of age manure or compost and work into the planting web site to improve richness and increase water retention and drain . If stain make-up is weak , a layer of topsoil should be deliberate as well . No matter if your soil is grit or clay , it can be improved by sum up the same thing : organic affair . The more , the better ; work deeply into the soil . Prepare bed to an 18 inch recondite for perennial . This will seem like a tremendous amount of employment now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plant life have been set up . How - to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you establish a perennial , it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance - free horticulture . Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant . One matter that distinguishes perennials is that they lean to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor .
As perennials establish , it is significant to prune them back and thin them out now and again . This will prevent them from all taking over an region to the exclusion of other plant , and also will increase air circulation thereby reduce the relative incidence of disease like botrytis and powdery mould .
Many species also bloom profusely and produce plenteous semen . As bloom fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant ; that is , to remove spent flowers before they work seed . This will prevent your plant from seed all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the works to raise cum .
As perennials grow , they may form a dense etymon mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant life . It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials . By separate the root system , you could make new plants to constitute in another area of the garden or give away . Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and restore the works . Most perennials may be successfully divided in either bound or fall . Do a little homework ; some perennials do have a penchant . How - to : gear up ContainersContainersare first-class when used as an cosmetic feature , a planting selection when there is picayune or no soil to plant in , or for plants that require a land type not find in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is subscript . If growing more than one plant life in a container , check that that all have similar cultural requirements . opt a container that is deep and large enough to countenance radical exploitation and ontogeny as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container . constitute large container in the post you intend them to stay . All containers should have drainage hole . A mesh screen , broken clay pot pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the fix will keep dirt from wash out . The potting grunge you select should be an appropriate mixture for the plants you have choose . Quality grease ( or soil - less medias ) absorb wet pronto and evenly when wet . If weewee runs off soil upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to filling a container with soil , wet potting soil in the bagful or situation in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist . take container about halfway full or to a level that will provide plants , when planted , to be just below the flange of the potty . Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is gross . Water well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by look at sun and shade through the twenty-four hours , photograph , water requirements , mood , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and military position of other garden plant and trees .
The best times to set are springiness and downslope , when soil is workable and out of danger of rime . Fall planting have the reward that roots can develop and not have to contend with develop top increase as in the spring . Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike pie-eyed condition or for colder surface area , allowing full establishment before first winter . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more instal sized flora .
To implant container - grown plant : set planting holes with appropriate depth and space between . Water the plant thoroughly and countenance the spare water drainpipe before cautiously removing from the container . Carefully relax the root glob and place the plant in the hollow , working soil around the antecedent as you fill . If the plant is extremely root bound , freestanding roots with fingers . A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay , but should be kept to a lower limit . cover filling in soil and water good , protecting from lineal sun until stable .
To establish bare - root plants : Plant as before long as potential after purchase . Prepare desirable planting holes , spread roots and work dirt among roots as you fill in . water system well and protect from direct sunshine until static .
To plant seedlings : A bit of perennials produce self - sown seedlings that can be transplanted . You may also bulge your own seedling seam for transplanting . train worthy planting holes , spacing appropriately for plant development . softly lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel , and replant it like a shot , firming grunge with fingertips and piddle well . Shade from direct sun and urine regularly until stable . How - to : Potting Indoor PlantsMake sure that the works you have chosen is suitable for the condition you are able to provide it : that it will have enough light , space , and a temperature it will like . Remember that the sphere powerful next to a windowpane will be colder than the rest of the elbow room .
Indoor plants ask to be transplanted into a larger container sporadically , or they become pot / root - bound and their growth is check . Water the industrial plant well before pop out , so the soil will have the root ball together when you dispatch it from the dope . If you have trouble getting the plant out of the heap , prove running a leaf blade around the edge of the batch , and softly whacking the sides to loose the soil .
Always practice invigorated soil when transplanting your indoor plant . Fill around the plant gently with grunge , being careful not to pack too tightly – you want air travel to be able to get to the roots . After the plant life is in the new pot , do n’t fertilise right away … this will encourage the roots to fill in their new dwelling house .
The size locoweed you choose is significant too . Select one that is not more than about 1 inch nifty in diam . Remember , many plants favour being somewhat throne tie . Always begin with a clean mint !
Problems
Rhizoctoniais a fungus that is ground in most soils and enroll the industrial plant through the radical or the stem at soil level . bar and Control : First of all , do not overwater and if you suspect Rhizoctonia may be your job , decrease watering . If a plant is too far break down ( all the leaves from the bottom up are wilt ) , remove it . If your works is in a container , discard the soil too . lave the muckle with a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water root . antifungal agent can be used , accord to label counsel . confer with a professional for a sound passport of what fungicide to utilise . Pest : ThripsThripsare small , winged insects that attack many character of plants and thrive in hot , dry conditions ( like heated houses ) . They can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 300 eggs in a life story span of 45 twenty-four hours without mating . Most of the damage to plant is because of the new larvae which feed on tender leafage and flower tissue . This lead to twisted growth , hurt flower petals and premature bloom fall . Thrips also can transmit many harmful industrial plant viruses .
Prevention and Control : keep weeds down and utilize screening on windowpane to keep them out . polish off or discard invade plants , keep them aside from non - infested plant . Trap with xanthous sticky cards or take advantage of innate foe such as predatory mites . Sometimes a good steady shower of water will wash them off the industrial plant . Consult your local garden centre professional or county concerted extension office for legal chemical recommendations . Pest : Spider MitesSpider mitesare small , 8 legged , wanderer - similar creatures which fly high in red-hot , dry conditions ( like heated sign ) . Spider pinch feed in with piercing sassing parts , which cause plant life to appear chicken and stippled . Leaf drop and works death can happen with heavy plague . Spider tinge can multiply quickly , as a female can lay up to 200 egg in a life duad of 30 days . They also grow a connection which can brood infested leaves and flowers .
Prevention and Control : Keep weed down and remove infested plants . Dry air seems to exasperate the problem , so check that plants are on a regular basis water , especially those preferring in high spirits humidness such as tropicals , citrus tree , or tomatoes . Always check over novel plants prior to bringing them home from the garden center or nursery . Take advantage of natural enemy such as ladybug larvae . If a miticide is recommended by your local garden gist professional or county Cooperative Extension bureau , read and surveil all recording label directions . centralise your exertion on the undersides of the leave of absence as that is where spider mite broadly subsist . Pest : MealybugsSmall , wingless , dull - white , delicate - bodied insects that give rise a waxy powdery cover . They have piercing / nurse back talk division that suck in the sap out of plant tissue . Mealybugsoften look like small pieces of cotton and they tend to congregate where leaves and stem branch . They set on a full range of plants . The young tend to move around until they find a worthy feeding position , then they cling out in colony and feed . mealybug can weaken a plant leading to sensationalistic foliage and leaf drop . They also produce a mellifluous meaning called honeydew ( coveted by ant ) which can lead to an untempting disastrous airfoil fungal emergence call off sooty mold .
Prevention and Control : Isolate infested plant from those that are not . look up your local garden center professional or the Cooperative Extension place in your county for a legal insecticide / chemical substance good word . boost natural enemies such as lady beetles in the garden to facilitate deoxidise universe grade of mealy bug . plague : WhitefliesWhitefliesare small , winged dirt ball that expect like tiny moth , which attack many case of plants . The flying adult stage prefers the underside of leave to feed and strain . Whiteflies can multiply quickly as a female person can lay up to 500 eggs in a life brace of 2 months . If a plant is infest with whitefly , you will see a swarm of take flight insects when the plant life is disturb . Whiteflies can weaken a plant , eventually leading to plant decease if they are not find out . They can transmit many harmful flora viruses . They also produce a mellisonant meat call honeydew ( coveted by pismire ) which can conduct to an untempting black control surface fungal ontogeny called sooty molding .
potential controls : keep widow’s weeds down ; use screening in window to keep them out ; remove infest plants away from non - infested plants ; use a reflective mulch ( aluminum foil ) under plants ( this repels whitefly ) ; trap with yellow sticky cards , practice labeled pesticides ; promote lifelike enemy such as epenthetic wasps in the garden ; and sometimes a well steady shower bath of water will wash them off the flora . Pest : Slugs and SnailsSlugs and snailsfavor moist climates and are mollusks , not insect . They can be ravenous feeders , eat just about anything that is not woody or highly scented . They may eat holes in folio , airstrip entire stems , or totally devour seedlings and tender transplants , give behind tell - fib silvery , slimy trail .
Prevention and control : Keep your garden as clean as potential , decimate hiding places such as leaf detritus , over - turned pots , and tarpaulin . Groundcover in shady situation and grievous mulches allow for protection from the elements and can be favourite hiding places . In the spring , police for and put down eggs ( bunch of small semitransparent spheres ) and adults during dusk and dawn . Set out beer maw from late spring through fall .
Many chemical controls are available on the market , but can be poisonous and deadly for children and positron emission tomography ; take guardianship when using them - always read the recording label first!Fungi : Powdery MildewPowdery Mildewis usually find on plants that do not have enough zephyr circulation or adequate light . Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid . The powdery white or grey fungus is unremarkably found on the upper surface of leave of absence or yield . Leaves will often reverse yellow or brown , curl up , and drop off . New foliage emerge crinkled and misshapen . Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops ahead of time .
Prevention and Control : Plant resistant variety and distance plants properly so they receive adequate light and aviation circulation . Always H2O from below , keeping water off the foliage . This is predominate for roses . Go easy on the N fertilizer . Apply fungicides according to recording label directions before problem becomes severe and accompany directions on the button , not miss any involve treatment . Sanitation is a must - strip up and remove all leafage , flower , or detritus in the fall and put down . Fungi : Leaf SpotsLeaf spots are cause by fungus or bacterium . Brown or mordant spots and patches may be either ragged or circular , with a urine soaked or yellow - edged appearance . Insects , pelting , muddied garden tools , or even people can aid its spread head .
Prevention and Control : Remove infect leaves when the works is dry . Leaves that roll up around the base of the works should be raked up and disposed of . nullify overhead irrigation if possible ; water should be directed at soil level . For fungal leaf spots , use a urge fungicide according to label direction .
gadfly : Scale InsectsScales are louse , related to mealy glitch , that can be a trouble on a wide mixture of plant - indoor and outdoor . Young scale crawl until they find a good eating site . The grownup females then lose their leg and persist on a spot protected by its hard shell level . They come along as bumps , often on the lower sides of leaves . They have pierce oral cavity parts that suck the sap out of plant tissue . scale of measurement can weaken a plant leading to yellow foliage and leafage drop curtain . They also grow a honeyed substance call honeydew ( coveted by ants ) which can lead to an untempting smuggled open fungal growth shout out jet-black mold .
Prevention and Control : Once established they are laborious to control . Isolate infested plants off from those that are not infested . confer your local garden shopping centre professional or Cooperative Extension office in your county for a sound passport regarding their control . promote natural enemy such as parasitic white Anglo-Saxon Protestant in the garden . Fungi : Sooty MoldSooty mold is a fungus that is found on the surface of leaves . It feed on honeydew excrete from aphids , mealy bugs , scale , or ant . Though not serious , it is untempting when it covers / blackens the leafage and stem of the plant . The best direction to moderate sooty stamp is to control the insects that make the honeydew . Sooty mould can usually be wipe from leaves with a moist cloth or washed off with a hose - end atomiser .
